A coalition of doctors, scientists and health advocates says you may be able to reduce your overall exposure to toxic chemicals by taking the following steps:

• Reduce pesticide exposure by choosing organic strawberries, apples, nectarines, green beans, celery and spinach.

• Choose seafood low in mercury such as salmon, sardines and trout.

• If you use baby formula, make sure the water is lead-free.

• When buying furniture with padding, ask for products that are labeled free of toxic flame retardants.

• Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke, smoke from fireplaces and stoves, exhaust from idling cars and fumes from grills.

• If you're putting in a new floor, choose either phthalate-free vinyl flooring or wood, bamboo or cork.

• Avoid plastic toys, backpacks, lunchboxes and school supplies made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC.)

• When using stool softeners and laxatives, look for phthalates on the list of inactive ingredients so you can avoid them.

• Use nontoxic alternatives to pesticides.

• Reduce dust that may contain lead, flame retardants, phthalates and pesticides. Screen your house for lead.

Washington Post